Academic advisor crushes fears about public speaking | L And A

“When I got hooked to the microphone, that is when it hit me that there are 500 people in this room and they are all looking at me,” Nathan Kerswill said.

Kerswill, a University College academic counselor, looked out into the sea of people, hesitating to begin the speech that would open the conference he was attending. He took a deep breath and spoke to the audience, and once he got his nerves under control, Kerswill said the experience proved to be a positive one.

It was experiences like these that led him to explore and teach public speaking techniques. Because public speaking can be a frightening concept for students and lecturers with little crowd experience, Kerswill will share his speaking techniques from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Wagner Hall, room 250.

“Public speaking is like theatre,” Kerswill said. “It is storytelling.”

This is something Kerswill believes and also learned from his professors during his undergraduate years at OU, where he studied political science and history.

Though Kerswill did not recall having much public anxiety about speaking when he was a student, he feels there are a few keys to conquering the crowds — practice and confidence.

“Always know you are the expert on the subject,” Kerswill said. “Do not be afraid, because you probably know more than your audience.”

Kerswill has even taken advice from his students, who have given him feedback on his own speaking skills — speak clearly, and not too fast.

His best trick, he said, is taking deep breaths before speaking. Kerswill said this technique calms the mind and has worked very well for him.

Another thing Kerswill considers is vocabulary and audience awareness.

“It is important to recognize who you are talking to, and what level of vocabulary they are going to have,” Kerswill said.

Though deep breathing and careful word choice are just a few ways to keep the stage fright at bay, Kerswill will share other tips and tricks for public speaking and for students looking to improve their public speaking abilities.